บท 457: Chapter 457: A Stunning Success
[Chapter 519: A Stunning Success]
In MGM's small conference room, Arthur and Michael Bay discussed the film project for The Rock.
"A budget of $70 million is enough to invite your idol Sean Connery. As for the other lead, I suggest you try Nicolas Cage," Arthur tapped the table. "Cage has been working in art films for years, but he's got a lot of range -- action films won't be a problem for him!"
It was no surprise Arthur suggested him, as Cage's fee wasn't too high these days -- around $4 million for commercial films -- while Sean Connery? That would be $12 million. Besides, Leaving Las Vegas was about to release, which was set to be Cage's breakout hit!
Michael Bay chuckled, "I specifically went to England to meet Sean Connery, and he's quite interested in the role."
The veteran James Bond still held great popularity!
"Let's get this going; we've slated The Rock for next year," Arthur smiled.
The success of Bad Boys gave Michael Bay the green light to develop such big-budget, high-concept action films. Bay's style featured rapid editing, dynamic special effects, and frequent explosions, creating a strong visual impact!
...
In the evening, Arthur drove to Culver City.
Yu Feihong had just returned to campus, so Arthur made a point to check in on her.
"Weren't you supposed to stay a few more months?" Arthur asked, puzzled.
"It's been almost six months," Yu Feihong laughed from the couch. "Just planning to go back to school for a while."
Later, they headed to a nearby little bar for a bite.
"How's things back home? I invested in a record company there at the beginning of this year," Arthur asked, taking a sip of his cocktail.
"I know about that, but unfortunately, I don't know much about music," Yu Feihong shook her head.
"This year, I spent a lot of time in Shanghai. I met some filmmakers there. I might invest in a few TV dramas," Yu Feihong glanced at Arthur. "I might go back home after the new year."
"Not waiting until you graduate?" Arthur sat beside her and took her hand.
"Nope, no waiting!"
Well, for Yu Feihong, graduation didn't hold much significance.
"Alright, I'll support you in starting an entertainment company as a project," Arthur said, without objections, letting Sky Entertainment invest.
"Can I really do that?"
"Why not?" Arthur grinned as he wrapped his arm around her waist. "You can just have fun with it. You can start by purchasing some property assets. Even if the film industry doesn't pan out, the properties will appreciate over time!"
Then, they kissed passionately, with Arthur's hand resting on her thigh.
"Let's head back," Yu Feihong said, leaning against him.
"Alright..."
...
By Monday, Yu Feihong returned to school.
Meanwhile, Cristiana Reali flew from Paris to Los Angeles. That evening, Cristiana arrived at Arthur's villa in Beverly Hills.
In the bathroom, Arthur held the stunning Cristiana in the bathtub. "How was the conference this time?"
"Pretty good! I'm just worried about managing MGM's French branch," Cristiana had mostly stepped back from her acting career to focus on management.
"Don't worry. You've done well so far," Arthur said, kissing her softly on the ear.
"Now with MGM, I feel the pressure is on! I wanted to talk about Toy Story. Its North American total hit $190 million, which is fantastic! Still, Toy Story struggled internationally, with only $50 million, adding up to $240 million globally."
Disney's Pocahontas pulled in $140 million in North America but raked in $200 million internationally for a whopping $340 million!
Arthur chuckled, brushing his hand across her chest. "That's Pixar's first animated feature; how can you compare to Disney's brand power? Rest assured, when the sequel comes out, it'll perform much better. Pixar is already turning heads with its success!"
Toy Story's $190 million in North America was sure to be the year's biggest hit.
After all, Batman Forever only made $180 million in North America but pulled in $150 million overseas.
Universal's Apollo 13 had a North American total of $170 million and only $50 million overseas.
My Best Friend's Wedding grossed $120 million in North America and $170 million overseas, making it the highest-grossing film for Galaxy worldwide this year.
"Arthur, romantic comedies do so well, just look at your own romantic comedy project!" Cristiana exclaimed!
Romantic comedies had low budgets and were simple to produce.
"Scripts can be tough to come by. With so many romantic comedies being made every year, the stories need to be fresh," he reflected, considering Julia Roberts, who had starred in so many romantic comedies in recent years, none of which matched the power of Pretty Woman!
"By the way, that movie Braveheart, featuring Sophie Marceau, did great overseas with a $130 million box office -- how did it do in North America?"
Arthur nodded. "Not bad, over $70 million in North America -- overall, it crossed $200 million globally, mainly thanks to its strong overseas market. And this movie received plenty of acclaim!"
Cristiana smiled, "And Sophie is even more beautiful, right?"
"Of course..."
*****
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